Transport Minister reiterates support for western rail corridor

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has reiterated his support for the development of the western rail corridor between Claremorris and Athenry.

He stated: "From Claremorris one can join onto the existing rail network towards Ballina or Westport.

"There is a strategic question in a much wider national context which the original rail reviews did not look at in that section of line.

"If one looks at it in a narrow context, is there is a demand for commuting from Claremorris or Tuam into Galway on rail?

"The answer is clearly "No", as Joint Assistance to Support Projects in the European Regions, JASPERS, said.

"However, is it potentially a part of a strategic western rail corridor which extends all the way from Ballina down the west coast through Limerick towards Waterford?

"That is a different question which neither JASPERS nor anybody else has asked yet and which the strategic rail review is now looking at."